It was a success. A local music group of local teenagers traveled west and wowed attendees of a national convention of music instructors.
The 2025 Teach Kids Music All-Star Band, a local youth band, gave an what was called an “astounding performance” this past January at the prestigious National Association of Music Merchants’ annual conference in Anaheim, California. The newest band of talented children aged 9 -13 played a 45-minute set of rock hits from Led Zeppelin, Journey, Lincoln Park and many others in front of thousands of musicians, vendors and music lovers. It was the second time a group of local musicians were invited to the conference.
They dominated on the Yamaha Grand Plaza main stage as Rock royalty such as Stevie Wonder, Slip Knot, System of the Down and many others attending the music conference watched.
Thousands of bands submit to play but only about 100 get to perform in front of some of the music industry’s biggest stars. This is the second year that TKM All Stars have been selected to perform at this international event. Last year’s All Stars were so highly received that this year, the All Stars were offered placement on the main stage.
This year’s musicians are Matteo Perrelli,12 – guitar, Willow Podoloff,12 – vocals, Harris Wallman, 9 – bass guitar, Maximus Binkoski,11 – vocals, Ray Wallman,12 – guitar, Jake Zabawar,14 – guitar, Antonio Rivera,12 – drum and Dylan Land, 13 – piano.
“We are so proud of the amazingly talented Teach Kids Music All Star Band! They will be doing performances all year at events and festivals, we hope to see you there,” said Patty Stevens, who takes care of the TKM public outreach.
Teach Kids Music, Inc is a 501-C-3 non-profit based in West Haven and provides children from resource limited families with opportunities to learn about music and to play an instrument while enhancing the development of creative, lifetime skills that will help them be successful in life, within and outside of music . TKM provides instruments, instruction and a performance atmosphere to help guide children on their musical journey.
This year’s trip was announced just after the new year, with a fundraiser planned at Randall’s Restaurant on Platt Avenue. More than $3000 was collected, helping the band members and their families finance the trip.
For more information and to find out about free Little Rockers classes and Open Mics, or to donate to support this programming visit website: www.TeachKidsMusic.org